Skier presumed dead after avalanche near Crested Butte

CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. - A skier has been presumed dead after search crews were unable to conduct a successful rescue following an avalanche in central Colorado.

KMGH-TV reported that the Colorado Avalanche Information Center confirmed four people were skiing Tuesday on Mount Emmons, a very steep slope northwest of Crested Butte. A preliminary report shows an avalanche started to slide downhill, catching and injuring one skier.

Gunnison County sheriff’s deputies and rescue crews with Crested Butte Mountain Rescue responded to the avalanche, but had to reduce their efforts amid the avalanche hazard. Authorities say the skier is presumed to have died.